Can I transfer my existing ADHD prescription to a telehealth provider?

Short answer: Often yes — but it depends on the medication (controlled stimulant vs non‑stimulant), state laws, and the telehealth company’s policies. Many telehealth psychiatry and primary‑care services will continue or re‑start ADHD meds after a new evaluation; stimulants have stricter rules.

Key points

• Non‑controlled ADHD meds (e.g., atomoxetine) are usually easy to continue via telehealth.
• Stimulant medications (amphetamine salts, methylphenidate — Schedule II in the U.S.) require a formal evaluation by the telehealth clinician and are subject to DEA/state rules. Some telehealth providers can prescribe them; others cannot.
• You cannot simply “transfer” a prescription like clicking a button — a new prescriber usually needs records and a visit, and some companies require periodic in‑person or monitoring steps.

Typical steps to transfer care to a telehealth provider

1. Pick a telehealth service that prescribes ADHD meds in your state.
2. Gather records: prior diagnosis note, recent prescription bottle images, last prescription date, prior clinician contact info, and any clinic notes or rating scales.
3. Book an assessment with a psychiatrist or qualified clinician. Expect questions about history, symptom severity, side effects, substance use, and sometimes a urine drug screen.
4. If the clinician agrees, they’ll send new prescriptions to your pharmacy. For stimulants this may take a day or more while they review records and check regulations.
5. Plan for follow‑ups and monitoring (frequent for stimulants).

Telehealth services to consider (examples)

• Done (DoneHealth) — specialized in adult ADHD care; focused workflows for ADHD and able to prescribe stimulants in many states.
• Cerebral — large mental‑health telemedicine provider with ADHD care options and timely appointments; prescribes stimulants where allowed.
• PlushCare — offers psychiatry and primary care; board‑certified clinicians and will prescribe controlled meds depending on state rules.
• Talkiatry — psychiatry‑focused telehealth with ongoing medication management for ADHD by psychiatrists.
• Brightline — focused on pediatric/adolescent ADHD care if you’re seeking care for a child.

What to check before you sign up

• Does the service operate in your state?
• Do they specifically say they will prescribe stimulants (if that’s your medication)?
• What documentation do they require, and do they require any in‑person visit or special registration?
• Cost, insurance coverage, and refill/monitoring policies.

If your current prescriber or pharmacy refuses to release records, ask your current clinic to send records directly to the new telehealth clinician. If a telehealth provider cannot prescribe stimulants because of state/DEA constraints, they can often help arrange local in‑person care or transfer records to a local psychiatrist.

If you’d like, tell me:

• Which medication you’re on (stimulant vs non‑stimulant),
• Which state you’re in, and I can check which of the services above operate in your state and what their policies are.